Invitation to the Unveiling of Emerald the Persian Leopard
A World Wildlife Day Spotlight Honoring One Rescued, Endangered Persian Leopard
You’re invited to a special World Wildlife Day spotlight honoring Batifa, a rescued Persian leopard whose resilience moved us deeply—and inspired our artwork Emerald the Persian Leopard.
📍 Newport Beach Civic Center Community Room
📅 February 28
Art Reveal & Display: On view throughout the event (2:00–5:30 PM)
Batifa Rescue Story Talk (Andy Blue): Approximately 2:30–3:00 PM
Spotlight includes: Artwork unveiling (Emerald the Persian Leopard) by Azi Sharif, PhD (artist; Founder & Executive Director, Wildlife Jewels®) and Batifa’s rescue story presented by Andy Blue.
Why Batifa
Batifa is a rare Persian leopard who was rescued after being caught in a trap in northern Iraq. Due to the severity of his injuries, one hind leg was later amputated, making a return to the wild impossible. Yet his courage, recovery, and radiant presence continue to inspire hope.
His story comes from a region where leopards face escalating threats—habitat loss and fragmented corridors, trapping, retaliatory killings after livestock losses, depleted prey, and deadly road collisions on expanding highways.
Persian leopards are Endangered, with an estimated 750–1,044 remaining in the wild.
Every rescue story matters—because every single life is precious. Every leopard is unique—more precious than any gem—and must be protected.
Featured Artwork: Emerald the Persian Leopard
Emerald the Persian Leopard is an original Wildlife Jewels® painting created by Azi Sharif, Wildlife Jewels’ Founder & Executive Director, and inspired by Batifa. Rendered in emerald, gold, and midnight hues, Batifa rises above a hand-painted Wildlife Jewels® gemstone—reflecting a belief at the heart of our mission:
“ Wildlife lives are more precious than any gem.” ~ Azi Sharif
Batifa’s Rescue Story — Presented by Andy Blue
Andy will share Batifa’s rescue story and the realities of helping a leopard survive after a traumatic injury—including how he supported Batifa’s care by helping improve his enclosure environment.
He’ll also speak about the ongoing efforts to secure Batifa’s future, including work underway to transfer him to a sanctuary—and what it takes behind the scenes to move an animal from survival to long-term safety.
Join Us
This page serves as a private invitation for guests with a special interest in Batifa the Persian leopard and his protection through rescue, care, and conservation storytelling.
Together, we honor Batifa’s story—and help protect the future of Persian leopards.
This spotlight is part of Wildlife Jewels’ annual World Wildlife Day Celebration, which also includes community art, native planting, and educational activities.
Inspired By #NatureForAll
Wildlife Jewels is honored to be a part of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) #NatureForAll community!
#NatureForAll is a global movement to inspire, celebrate and restore love of nature. It is founded on a very simple idea: the more people experience, connect with, and share their love for nature, the more support and action there will be for its conservation.
About Wildlife Jewels’ Founder
Azi Sharif, PhD
Founder & Executive Director, Wildlife Jewels®
Wildlife living freely in their natural habitats are more precious to me than any gemstone—that’s why I created the name Wildlife Jewels® and launched the Wildlife Jewels® Collections in 2015: fine art and fashion that raises awareness and support for endangered species. Yet wildlife continue to face escalating, devastating human-caused threats.
In 2023, I founded Wildlife Jewels®, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to protect wildlife through ambitious conservation initiatives, innovative rescue efforts, impactful education programs, multidisciplinary collaboration, and global partnerships.
Thank you for supporting our wildlife-loving community.
Every wildlife is unique. Every wildlife matters. Together, let’s protect and preserve our precious wildlife.
Highlights from the Wildlife Jewels World Wildlife Day Celebration 2025!
Photos: Captured by Troy Michael Photography
Our Vision
“We dream of a world where wildlife thrives untouched by human activities, roaming freely in their natural habitats. In this world, every person recognizes the magnificent beauty and value of living wildlife, and takes significant action to ensure safety and protection of wildlife.”
— Azi Sharif, Founder & Executive Director Wildlife Jewels®
Would you like to make a donation?
We offer this event free of charge. Wildlife Jewels is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and operates on donations. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Would you be interested in making a tax-deductible contribution to express your support for our mission to protect wildlife from human-caused threats?
